Through engaging conversations, we explore their journeys, their interest for the Optimism DAO, the challenges they face as delegates, and their perspectives on the future of Optimism. On this page, you'll find links to each episode, accompanied by my personal notes and summaries.
Episode 1 : Michael Vander Maiden
Episode 2 : Bricia Guzman
Episode 3 : Romina
Episode 4 : Gonna.eth
Episode 5 : Griff Green
Episode 6 : PaperImperium
Episode 7 : Sum of ITU Blockchain
Episode 8 : Katie Garcia
Episode 9 : Subli
Episode 10 : Krzysztof Urbański
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uZU7sTExCY
In this #10 episode, Sinkas has a conversation with Krzysztof Urbański, the governance lead for L2BEAT, a OP delegate, and a member of the grants council. We delve into his journey, the intricacies of being a delegate, and the values that guide participation in the governance process.
Krzysztof boasts over two decades of experience in IT and has been a staunch activist in the free software movement. He sees his involvement in crypto as a natural progression of this movement. Although introduced to Bitcoin early, it was The DAO (pre-hack) that truly captivated him, opening his eyes to the immense potential of decentralized applications, decision-making processes, and political engagements. He now works at L2BEAT as Governance lead.
Stepping into the role of a delegate comes with its unique set of challenges. In a rapidly evolving space where a concrete guide is absent, everything is possible.
Krzysztof underscores the often undervalued aspect of governance in the crypto space. It’s a playground for political and coordination experiments, and with the plethora of DAOs and governance systems, the influx of information can be overwhelming.
In the Web3 space, the opportunity to experiment is huge, unlike traditional political elections where the stakes are high and entry barriers too high. In web3, iteration is possible, and experimentation is needed.
Integrity tops the list of essential values for a delegate. But equally important is understanding “why are we here?”. For instance, at L2BEAT, the mission is clear: to align with Ethereum and echo the voices of Ethereum users and builders in a L2-centric roadmap. This mission is the compass that directs the governance actions.
Navigating the practical aspects of governance isn’t easy. Influences pull delegates in various directions, demanding both integrity and professionalism. Delegates are representatives (like parliament members) they must be attentive, informed, and open to discussions with fellow delegates and the community at large.
Yet, it’s also acceptable to be opinionated and hold strong convictions. Disagreements are part of the process, and delegates must remain true to their values, even if it means going against the wind. Those who have delegated their tokens to them always have the option to redelegate if their views aren’t represented.
Krzysztof emphasizes the importance of extensive reading and research in the decision-making process. The forum is a crucial resource, but seeking the opinions and expertise of others in the field is equally vital.
Every proposal and project requires careful scrutiny, not just during the voting phase but also in its implementation and the aftermath. Understanding the consequences, responsibilities, and the journey post-vote is essential to ensure that proposals don’t just pass but are effectively executed and monitored.
The Optimism Collective is characterized by a robust community and strong values. However, a significant challenge lies in the current reliance on the Optimism Foundation for governance. While the foundation has done a fantastic job, offering iterative reflections and experiments, the transition to a more decentralized governance structure could prove challenging.
The community has grown accustomed to the support of the foundation, but the need for self-organization is evident, reminiscent of the collective efforts during the RPGF 2 round to assess projects.
Krzysztof anticipates the concrete realization of the Superchain vision. The emergence of many coordinating organs will necessitate a reevaluation of the Collective’s management approach to maintain relevance in this evolving landscape.
As diverse actors enter the Superchain Gov space, The Optimism Collective will have to use creativity to navigate through those complexities.
In this dynamic environment, the Collective’s adaptability, commitment to its values, and the ability to self-organize will be tested. The transition from a foundation-supported governance structure to a more decentralized, community-driven model will be pivotal in shaping the future of Optimism.
For a deeper dive into Krzysztof's insights, be sure to listen to the full episode. There’s nothing like hearing it firsthand!